Phillies Bullpen Fails to Secure Lead, Lose to Marlins 4-3

By Justin Worsley,

Roy Oswalt pitched six quality innings, but the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen could not preserve the 3-2 lead as the Florida Marlins came back to win 4-3.

Oswalt earned a no decision after pitching six innings, allowing two earned runs off of four hits while striking out six batters. Philadelphia (9-4) went to the bullpen, however, in the seventh inning after Oswalt began to suffer from back spasms.

J.C. Romero replaced Oswalt and allowed his only batter, Logan Morrison, to reach first base off of a single in the outfield. Danys Baez replaced Romero and immediately walked Gaby Sanchez. John Buck was able to load the bases with a single to shallow center field and former Phillie Greg Dobbs entered the game to pinch hit for Edward Mujica with one out.

Dobbs hit a line drive to shallow center field to drive in Morrison and Sanchez to give Florida the go-ahead run.

Ryan Webb, Randy Choate, Clay Hensley and Leo Nunez allowed only one batter to reach base in the final three innings. Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco both popped out to left field after John Mayberry Jr. was walked in the ninth inning to end the game.

Javier Vazquez started for Florida (8-5), pitching five innings and allowing three earned runs off of five hits with four walks and one strikeout.

Philadelphia has now lost four consecutive series openers this season. All four of the series have been against NL East division opponents.

The two teams battle again on Saturday with Cole Hamels (1-1, 5.59 ERA) will pitch for Philadelphia against Florida's Anibal Sanchez (0-1, 6.97.)